3 reasons benching Cam Newton for Sam Darnold makes no sense
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold is not an upgrade on Cam Newton
This is what it comes down to, really.
Sam Darnold is not an upgrade on Cam Newton and certainly after so long out with a shoulder problem.
Newton has his faults. But he is a much better leader and throwing Darnold back into the fold would not give the Carolina Panthers any sort of extra motivation judging by what we’ve seen so far this season.
It’s also worth remembering that head coach Matt Rhule also finds himself on the hot seat after just two years in charge. This comes after a series of failed personnel moves and a clear inability to make the necessary adjustments during games to give Carolina the best possible chance of succeeding.
Rhule was quick to criticize Newton following the Panthers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Even though the former Baylor man was forced to go back on his initial assessment once examining the film.
Maybe he should have waited before throwing his signal-caller under the bus. But it’s pretty evident that Rhule wasn’t the one that wanted Newton back in the first place.
Darnold’s regression from Week 3 onwards dictates he isn’t ever going to be the man who fills the position long-term. However, the Panthers could be stuck with him in 2022 after picking up his fifth-year option and this is exactly why Rhule is contemplating putting him back under center.